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Early Childhood System of Care: A Proven Investment Strategy During these tough economic times, states are discovering what early childhood experts have known for decades – policies that promote healthy development throughout a child’s early years create a foundation for later school achievement, economic productivity, responsible citizenship, and successful parenting.
States that support and invest in early childhood systems of care are seeing first-hand the positive outcomes in their communities. Juvenile crime rates drop. Gang violence is diminished. Child abuse and neglect is reduced. Children and their families are healthier and more self-sufficient. Students perform better in school. Children are prepared to succeed. Early childhood systems also contribute to global economic outcomes, including a bigger and more qualified workforce, healthier communities, and a thriving consumer market. Other Issues
Florida Children's Services Council
Critical Priorities
PROTECT FUNDING FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS
ENSURE Florida allocates adequate funding (Maintenance of Effort) to draw down all federal funds available to support early childhood programs.
PROVIDE funds to maintain 2009 levels of funding for early childhood programs: child care, voluntary pre-kindergarten, home visitation, after school, Early Steps, Healthy Start and Healthy Families.
MAINTAIN the per student allocation for VPK and SUPPORT anticipated program enrollment growth.
STREAMLINE GOVERNANCE OF FLORIDA’S EARLY LEARNING SYSTEM
CONSOLIDATE governance and administration of Florida’s early learning system under the Agency for Workforce Innovation Office of Early Learning.
IMPROVE AND EXPAND FLORIDA KIDCARE
ALIGN Florida KidCare program eligibility to be consistent with the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA).
POSITION Florida to be eligible for Federal bonus funding.
DECREASE the need for annual/biannual redeterminations of eligible children in the program.
OTHER ISSUES
QUALITY EARLY LEARNING EXPERIENCES
SUPPORT creation of a coordinated statewide professional development system that includes incentives and scholarships.
SUPPORT the use of curricula that has proven outcomes in early childhood programs.
REQUIRE background checks for all child care employees prior to employment.
SUPPORT efforts to adequately assess kindergarten readiness by conducting both pre- and post-assessments during the pre-K year.
QUALITY AFTERSCHOOL & SUMMER PROGRAMS
SUPPORT adoption of quality standards for all afterschool programs.
IMPLEMENT a statewide professional development system that includes core competencies, career lattices and post-secondary opportunities.
EXPAND wage-incentive programs to attract and retain qualified professionals.
REQUIRE background checks for summer camp personnel who work in full-day and overnight summer camp programs.
HEALTHY CHILDREN
SUPPORT universal developmental screenings, assessments, and access to appropriate interventions in early childhood programs, including childcare, Pre-K, and Head Start.
SEEK legislative action to ensure that all children have a primary health care provider.
ENSURE all children have access to an annual health (physical and mental) and preventive dental visit.
ASSURE that Medicaid eligibility procedures create seamless service delivery for eligible youth.
SUPPORT legislation to enact a mandatory requirement that an approved child restraint device (booster seat plus seat belt) be used for children ages 4-8.
STABLE & NURTURING FAMILIES
SUPPORT evidence- and research-based prevention programs that help children to be ready for school, healthy and free from abuse.
FUNDING
SUPPORT a fair and equitable tax system that can appropriately fund the needs of Florida’s children and families.
OPPOSE efforts that erode the ability of locally approved entities to determine the best use of resources, including restrictions on local taxation.
PROMOTE the funding of evidenced-based programs and services based on data and research.
CHILD WELFARE
ENSURE that all eligible foster children receive adequate Road to Independence support.
PREVENT funding reductions for Community Based Care programs, adoption subsidies and child protective services.
PURSUE legislation to establish a mechanism for relative caregivers to obtain legal authority for children in their custody.
ENSURE adequate representation of children in the dependency system, including legal representation for critical cases/children stuck in state care.
ENSURE that children with developmental disabilities in state custody continue to receive priority status for services from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
ENSURE that children ages 0-5 have access to appropriate screenings and interventions.
FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY
OPPOSE predatory financial products that impede personal wealth-building opportunities, reduce savings and perpetuate a cycle of poverty.
SUPPORT removing the cap on the Sadowski Housing Trust Fund, and ensure that all funds are used for affordable housing.
JUVENILE JUSTICE
SUPPORT the Blueprint Commission’s reform recommendations.
PRESERVE funding for Juvenile Assessment Centers (JACs) in areas with high need and utilization.
PRESERVE prevention and diversion funding, including CINS/FINS and effective girls’ programs.
FLORIDA CHILDREN’S SERVICES COUNCILThe Florida Children’s Services Council (Florida CSC) is a non-profit association that represents children’s services councils at the state level. Florida CSC uses the collective strengths of these public organizations to improve young lives by making strategic investments in the well being of Florida’s children. Its mission is to promote policies that build effective primary prevention and early intervention systems for young children and their families. For more information, visit the Florida CSC website at www.floridacsc.org.
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